Grand Rapids Restaurant Rumor Mill

[joeDowntown]

9 hours ago, Zads said:

Sip Shine on the west side, the former Harmony Hall, has become Rapid River Beverage Company and will be called the Rapid River Stillhouse.

Link: https://rrbevco.com/sip-shine-press-release/

“You can sample our products, take in a show on our live stage, enjoy southern-style cuisine in our restaurant, and cap off your visit with a trip to the rooftop deck”.

I’m really shocked to see they dropped the Nashville concept in lieu of a sports bar concept. While I personally loathe the country music scene, I thought they nailed it with a Nashville bar style  sports bars are a dime a two dozen. Super surprised by this (beer, spirits, wine, moonshine all fit the Nashville vibe). 
 

Crain’s article: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/bridge-street-bar-drops-nashville-inspired-theme-in-favor-of-sports-bar-concept/

Joe

[Zads]

Rockford Brewing's pizza concept isn't happening anymore.

Paywall: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/rockford-brewing-scraps-nearby-pizza-pub-concept-seeks-new-tenant-for-building/

"Co-founder Seth Rivard said the partners invested $1.2 million into renovating the former Vitale’s location at 40 E. Bridge St. NW in downtown Rockford, but have moved away from opening another restaurant and bar, citing inflation, rising material costs and labor shortages."

"Co-founder Seth Rivard said the partners invested $1.2 million into renovating the former Vitale’s location at 40 E. Bridge St. NW in downtown Rockford, but have moved away from opening another restaurant and bar, citing inflation, rising material costs and labor shortages. "

[joeDowntown]

4 hours ago, Zads said:

Rockford Brewing's pizza concept isn't happening anymore.

Paywall: https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/restaurants-1/rockford-brewing-scraps-nearby-pizza-pub-concept-seeks-new-tenant-for-building/

"Co-founder Seth Rivard said the partners invested $1.2 million into renovating the former Vitale’s location at 40 E. Bridge St. NW in downtown Rockford, but have moved away from opening another restaurant and bar, citing inflation, rising material costs and labor shortages."

"Co-founder Seth Rivard said the partners invested $1.2 million into renovating the former Vitale’s location at 40 E. Bridge St. NW in downtown Rockford, but have moved away from opening another restaurant and bar, citing inflation, rising material costs and labor shortages. "

I'm surprised they only put $1.2M into it. the Vitale's restaurant (I think it was a cousin, and not fully part of the of Vitale's in town) had neglected that building for YEARS. I remember going there as a kid with my Dad (in an emergency situation) and it was dirty, grimy and neglected. Can't imagine what another 20+ years of deferred maintenance did to the structure of the building. 

IMHO, I always thought the business concept was questionable. It would have added food choices to Rockford Brewing, but also would have been a bit of a pain in the butt logistically. And sinking a ton of money into a building and then trying to make a full service pizza business work seemed like a leap of faith.

Joe

[Zads]

Reserve is being replaced by an Italian joint called "Allora"

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/this-new-concept-is-replacing-reserve-in-downtown-gr/

It's expected to open by the end of the year.

“Like our namesake, we aim to help conversations and stories flow while telling our own through a menu of sustainable, artfully prepared dishes inspired by Coastal Italy,” VerHulst said in the release."

[Pattmost20]

On 6/28/2024 at 8:33 AM, Zads said:

Reserve is being replaced by an Italian joint called "Allora"

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/this-new-concept-is-replacing-reserve-in-downtown-gr/

It's expected to open by the end of the year.

“Like our namesake, we aim to help conversations and stories flow while telling our own through a menu of sustainable, artfully prepared dishes inspired by Coastal Italy,” VerHulst said in the release."

Coastal Italian has been a big trend over the last few years. It isn't tied to any one location in Italy, but a pick and choose of classic dishes from all over the country.